Laurie Schmitt Family Law

W. Michigan family law specializing in Collaborative Divorce

616.608.4634

About Laurie Schmitt Attorney

Laurie Schmitt

I am a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a Michigan State Bar and U.S. Western District Court licensed attorney specializing in family law. Since establishing my own practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I have represented clients with their family law-related cases including divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, visitation, paternity, and support issues. I focused my practice on family law after spending over two decades immersed in the court system as a paralegal. I assisted attorneys and their clients in navigating the difficult, and often painful process that came with changes in family structure and responsibilities.

Because I understand how difficult family law issues can be, I am committed to educating my clients on all of their options available to them and their families, as well as on the process. I always begin each case with the intent and hope that we can settle your case without the need for delayed and expensive litigation. I am a trained civil mediator, domestic relations mediator, and collaborative divorce attorney. Collaborative divorce can provide fair and reasonable outcomes for everyone involved in the divorce, including the children, and reduce unnecessary conflict in the process. However, I have a track record of providing aggressive representation in Michigan’s family court system if a settlement cannot be reached. Regardless of the road your case takes, I will always provide you with personalized, quality, and affordable representation.

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Certifications and Training

  • Law School: Thomas M. Cooley Law School – Cum Laude
  • Licensed: Michigan State Bar and U.S. District Court for Western District of MI
  • Undergrad: University of Southern Colorado – Magna Cum Laude
  • Completion of the Family Law Certificate Program
  • Completion of the General Civil Mediator Training
  • Completion of the Domestic Relations Mediator Training
  • Completion of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training
  • Completion of the Domestic Violence Screening Protocol Training

Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan – 2012
  • U. S. District Court, Western District of Michigan – 2012

Memberships

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • The Elks Club
  • Collaborative Divorce Professional of West Michigan
  • International Association of Collaborative Professionals
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan

What Our Clients Are Saying

I believe my case was far more work than Laurie had anticipated, but she’s been patient and extremely thorough until the end. She has helped me in so many ways – not only with her legal advice but advising me with coping strategies with difficult people. I would absolutely hire Laurie again.
– T.P.

401 Hall Street SW
Suite 112D
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

  • How Can We Help?
    616.608.4634

From The Blog

How to Navigate the Financial Issues During the First Days of Your Divorce

You’ve decided to file for a divorce. What financial issues should you be most concerned with during the first few days of your divorce process? Before you file, strategically lay out a plan with your attorney as to how you will handle the finances, and protect the assets of the marriage. The following are financial […]

Common Divorce Questions

Question: What happens if I file for a divorce and my spouse does not want a divorce?  Answer:  Your spouse will not be able to prevent you from obtaining a divorce. Even if your spouse tells the court they do not want the divorce, the judge will still grant your divorce. Question:  What do I […]